Lib Dems win Shetland by-election

The Lib Dems have held on to their Shetland seat despite a strong challenge from the SNP.

Beatrice Wishart was elected in the Holyrood by-election after Tavish Scott, who had held the seat since 1999, stood down.

She beat SNP candidate Tom Wills by 1,837 votes, but the Lib Dems saw their majority more than half since the 2016 Holyrood election.

Wishart said: "It's an honour and a privilege to be elected as the Liberal Democrat member of the Scottish Parliament for Shetland, and to make history by becoming Shetland's first female parliamentarian.

"My work will start on Monday to get the Scottish Government to take action on its empty promises of fair ferry funding, and to improve nursery provision and broadband - key strands of my positive campaign for Shetland."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: "This is a great win for the Liberal Democrats and Beatrice Wishart – Shetland’s first ever woman parliamentarian. She has fought hard on local issues and has been rewarded with the trust of Shetland's voters.

"The SNP invaded Shetland with ministers and activists from the central belt but were sent home to think again.  

“This victory builds on previous victories including in the European Elections in May. 

"With these wins, the departure of Ruth Davidson and decline of the Conservative and Labour parties, there is a huge opportunity for the Liberal Democrats to continue to grow.

"We will speak for the hundreds of thousands of moderate, reasonable people who want a bright future with Scotland in the UK and the UK in the EU.”